Diversity
Equity
Inclusion
Scary words…if you’ve never left the road you live on
I work with a woman who uses the phrase “irrationally angry” a lot when things go sideways. I’m almost there with the criticism of DEI although I don’t think it is irrational.
How can someone be against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?
I want a diversity of thought, of people, of experiences, of ideas, of fun in my life. It just makes it more enjoyable.
I want equity – creating an environment of success for all people. Of course it is up to the individual to take that environment and create the success that they want but to make sure that, at least at the start, the playing field is equitable to all. Why would you be against this?
Inclusion – I facilitated a seminar back in the early 2000s – Inclusion as a Business Culture. We presented to the entire division – 300 stores and district offices, multiple sessions. This isn’t a new idea and if we foster inclusion in all we do, our joy in life, our success in business, increases. Why wouldn’t we want everyone we come into contact with in our world to feel included in what is going on – sharing their culture while we share ours? (I really hate that one of the requirements for refugee status under our current administration is the ability to assimilate but that’ll be another post – talk about irrational anger!)
I immediately develop a thought in my head that is not very inclusive when I hear someone saying that DEI should be eliminated. DEI should just be a way of life but it hasn’t been in this country since it’s founding and so we must be conscious and intentional in getting us closer to where it is just something we naturally do.
People should travel…and travel a lot. People should read…and read a lot. Maybe this would help.
Irrationally angry…nope…rationally angry!
(Here’s an article on the subject of DEI and the military I came across on Memorial Day – https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/26/us/dei-military-disasters-history-cec )
MattMunnell.com 